Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Dexter McCluster
RB/WR Ole Miss

5'8" 165 lb.
Senior

Week 11 vs. Tennessee
25 rushes for 282 yards and 4 TDs, 4 recs for 42 yards

In one of the most lopsided games on the SEC calendar this season, the Ole Miss Rebels gashed Lane Kiffin's Tennessee Volunteers and that was mainly due to the absolutely stellar play of one Dexter McCluster. McCluster helped his Rebels to a victory by running over and around every Tennessee player on the field including seasoned veterans like Eric Berry, Rico McCoy and Dan Williams.

The Vols didn't stand a chance when McCluster got into the open field as he showed his incredible agility and burst by making Tennessee defenders look stupid as he zipped by them and left them grasping at air. He did most of his damage off tackle but he was also a reliable option out of the backfield as well, hauling in 4 receptions for 42 yards.

However, there was one play that stood out, on the goalline, Jevan Snead pitched him the ball and he look it off of a John Jerry block and waiting for him was Eric Berry, the top defender in the NCAA last year who lay a hit on him, McCluster bounced off, used his balance to collect himself and fight down to the 1 yard line. A true testament to the toughness of this running back. Congrats Dexter, a name none more fitting seeing as he carved up the Vol defense.

-Matty

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's ninth Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Josh Freeman
6'6" 248 lbs.
Kansas State
1st round selection, 17th overall
14/31 for 205 yards and 3 TDs, INT

Josh Freeman was efficient in his first start and lead the 0-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first win of the season. Freeman did everything you expect from a cagey veteran QB, but what is most impressive is that it was his first start. Some might say that Green Bay was sorely unprepared for the Freeman onslaught, but I like to think that the Bucs have found their QB of the future. Freeman has the biggest amount of potential in the draft as he has great size and athletic ability and showcased his cannon and accuracy against a stout Green Bay pass defense featuring Charles Woodson, Al Harris and Nick Collins. So, congratulations go out to Freeman for his great performance and making sure the 2009-2010 campaign has no team go 0-16. Congrats Josh, you earned it! Also, NFL.com fans are ridiculous for not giving the Pepsi ROTW honours to Josh and instead giving it to Mike Wallace.

Runner Ups:

Offense

Mike Wallace
6'0" 180 lbs.
Ole Miss
3rd round pick, 84th overall
4 recs for 69 yards and TD

Defense

Jerraud Powers
5'10" 192 lbs.
Auburn
3rd round pick, 92nd overall
10 tackles, 1 INT

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 10 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Mark Ingram
RB Alabama

5'10" 212 lb.
Sophomore

Week 10 vs. LSU
22 rushes for 144 yards, 5 recs for 30 yards

Well, we had John Clay here last week and yet another Sophomore running back turned on the burners and made his mark (no pun intended) and that was the star Alabama running back Mark Ingram. It is just astounding to think that Alabama might be better off when Glen Coffee declared early for the NFL because now Ingram is getting the bulk of the carries and he is making teams pay.

Ingram went up against a pretty stout LSU defense and he ripped em' to shreds, it seemed that every time he got ball in his hands, be it on a hand off or a reception it was like he was always going for a first down and gaining huge chunks of yardage at a time. LSU didn't have an answer for him and he single handedly saved the game for McElroy who made some really bad mistakes but had them glossed over because of a big play to Julio Jones and a win against #9 ranked LSU.

Ingram will be an amazing back in the NFL as he can do everything and more that a team wants their running back to do. He can catch, run and block and he will no doubtedly be a first round selection whether he comes out two years from now or after his senior season, he'll only get better and the team the drafts him will be getting a stud in this writer's honest opinion.

-Matty

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's eighth Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Percy Harvin
5'11" 184 lbs.
Florida
1st round selection, 22nd overall
5 recs for 84 yards and TD, 5 returns for 175 yards

Percy Harvin was a one man wrecking crew against what was supposed to be a stout Green Bay defense. It seemed that every time a big play came around, young Harvin was making it. He hooked up with Brett Farve for a huge TD mid game and constantly had the Vikes in great field position. The contributions of this young receiver cannot be denied and I thought he was going to struggle a bit, I can honestly say that I would want him on my team, he plays tough, he plays smart and he plays with great speed and passion, he'll be a cornerstone for the Vikes for years to come and we haven't even begun to see the best that Harvin has to offer. So, congrats Percy on your first ROTW award, you earned it bud!

Runner Ups:

Offense

LeSean McCoy
5'10" 198 lbs.
Pittsburgh
2nd round pick, 53rd overall
11 rushes for 82 yards and TD, 2 recs for 10 yards

Defense

Brian Cushing
6'3" 262 lbs.
USC
1st round pick, 15th overall
10 tackles, 1 INT, 1 sack

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 9 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

John Clay
RB Wisconsin

6'2" 247 lb.
Sophomore

Week 9 vs. Purdue
24 rushes for 123 yards and 3 TDs

Wisconsin is a team who love the big and bruising backs and John Clay is the next in line in a long line of talented backs. The most famous is Ron Dayne who is among the NCAA elite when it comes to rushing and P.J. Hill was looking to follow in his footsteps before subpar and injury filled junior season. Regardless of their past trials in the NFL, John Clay has all the potential to be a dominant runner in the NFL.

Clay loves to run inside and out, he'll punish you by lowering his shoulder into your face, he can run around you and he can stiff arm your helmet off. The boy is talented and then some and has all the size and skills a NFL team would love. To me, he reminds me of a Brandon Jacobs, LeRon McClain type of back, a physical, between the tackles and goalline back.

It'll be interesting to see what he does in the NFL, as it currently stands he could be part of a pretty stellar running back class that includes Alabama standout Mark Ingram, Virginia Tech's Darren Evans, Oregon State speedster Jacquizz Rodgers and Georgia's Caleb King. A pretty good crop of potential Senior RBs and John Clay could easily be among the best of the bunch.

-Matty

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's seventh Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Shonn Greene
5'11" 226 lbs.
Iowa
3rd round pick, 65th overall
19 rushes for 144 yards and 2 TDs

Shonn Greene burst onto the scene and single handed ran over, through and around the Oakland Raiders defense. In his first big chunk of playing time Mr. Greene has shown some serious skills and with Leon Washington succumbing to injury and ending up on injured reserve, Greene emergence couldn't come at a better time. Greene showed some break away speed that not a lot of people thought he had and average over 7 yard per carry. There's a good chance that anyone who faces the Jets from this point on are going to get a steady dose of Jones and Greene, strap up your chinstraps boys, Jets are going to test you. Congrats Shonn on your first ROTW award!

Runner Ups:

Offense

Hakeem Nicks
6'0" 215 lbs.
North Carolina
1st round pick, 29th overall
4 receptions for 80 yards and TD

Defense

Jairus Byrd
5'10" 200 lbs.
Oregon
2nd round pick, 42nd overall
2 tackles, 2 INTs

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 8 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Ricky Stanzi
QB Iowa

6'4" 218 lb.
Junior

Week 8 vs. Michigan State
11/27 for 138 yards and 1 TD

This game against Michigan State may not have been his best statistical output of the year, but it really shows how Stanzi is coming into his own as a NCAA quarterback. I am very impressed with his decision making, his accuracy and his poise. He's found a great target in tight end Tony Moeaki. I like his size and athleticism transitioning to the NFL and I think by this time next year he should be setting himself apart from the other potential senior QBs looking to make it big in the NFL.

Stanzi is part of the reason why Iowa is still undefeated and looking at a potential Big 10 crown. I like Iowa to win out the rest of the season and potentially make a case as the darkhorse for the National Championship. With Stanzi at the helm, the sky is limit for Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes.

-Matty

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's sixth Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Ryan Succop
6'2" 218 lbs.
South Carolina
7th round pick, 256th overall
4/4 FGs, Long of 46

First time I have ever had a kicker as my rookie of the week, but in all honesty, I can't think of anyone more deserving who beat the odds to become a player who made an impact in the Chiefs getting their first win of the season. Succop kicked 4 FGs to help the Chiefs surpass he struggling Redskins, he was poised, he was consistent and he is reliable. Everything one could ask for from their kicker, Succop is 9/10 on FGs this season with a long of 53 and 9/9 on extra points. Congrats Mr. Irrevelant, not so Irrelevant now, are you?

Runner Ups:

Offense

Hakeem Nicks
6'0" 215 lbs.
North Carolina
1st round pick, 29th overall
5 receptions for 114 yards and TD

Defense

Clay Matthews
6'3" 250 lbs.
Southern California
1st round pick, 26th overall
5 tackles, 2 sacks, FF

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 7 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Max Hall
QB Brigham Young

6'1" 201 lb.
Senior

Week 7 vs, San Diego State
27/39 for 348 yards and 3 TDs, 14 rushes for 47 yards and TD

Max Hall is the versatile magician running the BYO freight train offense alongside future NFL draft picks Harvey Unga and Dennis Pitta. But, this article is about Max Hall and his great Senior season so far and how he projects as a future NFL QB. Like an earlier article I wrote on Case Keenum from Houston, Max Hall has a lot of the intangibles required to be a NFL QB, save for the size as he's a bit short at 6'1" and a bit slight at just a hair over 201 lbs.

Max Hall has a solid arm and good accuracy, he can easily take over a game once he gets into a zone. He can shred a defense with the simplest of ease when he is ready to go, he is also dangerous on the run as well. It is best shown how in the stat line above to the tune of 395 total yards and 4 total TDs against a rusurgent San Diego State defense. Max Hall projects to be a late round selection in the forthcoming 2010 draft but if he sits for a year or two in the right system, he could take over in the future, but he is likely destined to be a high level back up in the right system (WCO/Spread).

-Matty

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's fifth Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Austin Collie
6' 200 lbs.
Brigham Young
4th round pick, 127th overall
8 receptions for 97 yards and 2 TDs

Austin Collie erupted against a subpar Tennessee Titan defense and really has become one of Peyton Manning`s go to guys with Anthony Gonzalez on the injury report still. Collie is a great route runner and although his speed isn`t as great as it could be he makes up for it with solid quickness in and out of his routes and an incredible football IQ that allows him to be on the same page as Peyton Manning. The Colts offense remains a juggernaut and with a couple young guys like Collie and Garcon stepping up, there is no doubt that so long as Peyton is under center, they will continue to roll.

Runner Ups:

Offense

Knowshon Moreno

5'11" 210 lbs.

Georgia

1st round selection, 12th overall

21 rushes, 88 yards and 4 receptions for 36 yards

Defense

Aaron Curry

6'2" 254 lbs.

Wake Forest

1st round selection, 4th overall

10 tackles, 1 sack, FF

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 6 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Brandon Spikes
LB Florida

6'3" 258 lb.
Senior

Week 6 vs. LSU
11 tackles, 2.5 sacks, FF

Brandon Spikes is a mountain of a man at linebacker, he has prototypical NFL MLB size and plays with incredible intensity and range. In the LSU game, Spikes took control of the interior and he was nearly unblockable coming on the pass rush and stuffing the run. Hilt and Hebert couldn't seal him in space and he was able to run free and cause all sorts of havoc against LSU.

Spikes offers scheme versatility for NFL teams as being able to play ILB in a 3-4 or a 4-3. He has the speed to play sideline to sideline, he can make tackles in the run game and stuff it behind the line of scrimmage, he is a solid blitzer as is evident with his 2.5 sacks against the LSU front five and he is deceptively good in coverage. He will no doubt be an early 1st day selection and probably an early candidate for DROY 2010, he'll provide a team with an immediate upgrade and provide an immediate impact.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Jacory Harris
QB Miami

6'4" 190 lb.
Sophomore

Week 5 vs. Oklahoma
12/28 for 202 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs

Jacory Harris has helped bring the Hurricanes back to National prominence after a few shaky years when they were just average including breaking the 14 or so year streak of Miami Hurricane players getting drafted in the first round. Now, I don't think another will be drafted this year unless Eric Moncur plays lights out, but, two years from now, we could be looking at the start of a whole new streak when Harris become draft eligible.

Jacory Harris is a bit slight at 190 lbs. on a 6'4" frame, he is built like a wide receiver but he plays like a quarterback. He doesn't needlessly scramble, he is always trying to keep his eyes downfield to make plays and more often then not he does. He helped lead Miami from behind to beat the juggernaut Oklahoma Sooners. This is a defense with many potential stars, especially along the defensive line and although he was pressured and sacked very early on in the game he didn't let it get to him and made the big time throws to not only keep Miami in the game, but ultimately win it for them.

Harris will be an interesting prospect to watch in the coming years and if he keeps getting better and is maybe able to fill out that 6'4" frame a little better, he definitely has a shot at being a franchise signal caller for a team playing on Sunday.

-Matty

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's fourth Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Mohamed Massaquoi
6'2" 207 lbs.
Georgia
2nd round pick, 50th overall
8 receptions for 148 yards

Massaquoi exploded against the Bengals this past week and showed real promise for the future. So much so that Braylon Edwards was sent off to the Jets for a couple Mangini guys and a couple draft picks. But that is another story altogether, Massaquoi was an efficient target for Derek Anderson down the field, he made big catches and was very consistent and hopefully he can build on this success and give the Browns a more consistent big play target. Way to go Massaquoi, congrats on being named ADF ROTW for week 4.

Runner Ups:

Offense

Brandon Pettigrew
6'5" 265 lbs.
Oklahoma State
1st round pick, 20th overall
4 receptions for 64 yards

Defense

Brian Orakpo
6'3" 260 lbs.
Texas
1st round pick, 13th overall
7 tackles, 1 sack

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 5 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Chad Jones
S Louisiana State

6'3" 231 lb. Junior

Week 4 vs. Mississippi State
7 tackles, 1 pass break up
93 yard PR TD


Louisiana State fans every should be thanking their lucky stars for the two sport athlete that is Chad Jones as he may have kept their National Championship hopes alive for at least another week by keeping them undefeated by narrowly edging out the Mississippi State Bulldogs 30-26 in a knock down drag out. Chad Jones put the Tigers ahead with an amazing 93 yard punt return for a score and then on the goal line was the reason that Anthony Dixon and the QB Lee didn't celebrate a huge upset win as he was in the right place at the right time to deflect a play action pass to the tight end that would have sealed the win and helped on 4th and an inch with the game saving tackle.

Jones is a speedy and athletic safety who can also play in the box, off the hashes or in center field. He is an absolute beast at 6'3" and 230 lbs. he is built like Taylor Mays but may have better field awareness. He's only a junior right now but the future is bright for Jones if he continues to make plays like he has. No doubt LSU will rely on him when Tim Tebow and Joe Cox try and shred the Tiger defensive backfield.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's first Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Matthew Stafford
6'3" 232 lbs.
Georgia
1st round pick, 1st overall
21/36 for 241 yards and 1 TD, 2 rushes for 23 yards

Matthew Stafford hasn't yet lived up to his billing as the 1st overall selection but he is well on his way to getting there leading the Lions to their first victory since 2007. He showed poise in the pocket, he showed mobility and escapability and showed the power and touch that his throwing arm possesses as he threw some very pretty passes to Calvin "Megatron" Johnson and Bryant "Wishes He Has Optimus" Johnson.

Runner Ups:

Offense

LeSean McCoy
5'10" 198 lbs.
Pittsburgh
2nd round pick, 53rd overall
20 rushes for 84 yards and 1 TD, 1 rec., 9 yards

Defense

Victor Butler
6'2" 246 lbs.
Oregon State
4th round pick, 110th overall
3 tackles, 2 sacks, FF

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 4 ROTW!

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's first Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Mark Sanchez
6'2" 225 lbs.
Southern California
1st round pick, 5th overall
14/22 for 163 yards and 1 TD

Week 2 and Sanchez already has his second rookie of the week award. Sanchez played like a cagey veteran against a stout New England Patriots team. He looked absolutely amazing in the game, he had great pocket presence and stood up to the rush of the Pats. He took what the defense gave him and never put his defense in a bad position by making a stupid turnover. The ball came out of his hands quickly which says that he is reading defenses well and he is getting the ball down field to his playmakers as he has instantly made Jericho Cotchery, Dustin Keller and Chansi Stuckey extremely dangerous. If he continues to play like he has the last two weeks and avoids the rookie wall, rookie of the year is his, guaranteed.

Runner Ups:

Offense

Percy Harvin
5'11" 184 lbs.
Florida
1st round pick, 22nd overall
5 receptions, 41 yards, 2 rushes, 14 yards and 1 TD

Defense

Rey Maualuga
6'2" 255 lbs.
Southern California
2nd round pick, 38th overall
4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 FF

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 3 ROTW!

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Jake Locker
QB Washington

6'3" 226 lbs. Junior

Week 3 vs. Southern California
21/35 for 237 yards
8 rushes and 1 TD


Though Jake Locker didn't have his biggest statistical output in the week 3 game against #3 ranked USC, Locker showed that he has the poise, the charisma and the intangibles that can help him lead a team on Sunday. Locker has the size, speed and strength to be a solid signal caller at the next level and that USC game proved it as he faced stiff competition with a subpar team and came out on top.

Jake Locker is known for his ability to improvise when the pocket breaks down but more and more this season he is sitting in the pocket and if his first read isn't open he progresses nicely instead of taking off. Granted, blocking from massive OT Ben Ossai helps out but Locker essentially puts the entire Huskie offense on his shoulders week in and week out and does what he can with them.

There is a good chance he will return to school to hone his craft and potentially up his stock where he could become a potential first overall selection in the 2011 NFL Entry Draft. As it currently stands, if he were to come out now I can't imagine him going earlier then round three just because of the more polished signal callers that will be entering this years draft. Regardless, Locker has a bright future and may be showcasing his talents for even bigger crowds on Sundays.

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Case Keenum
QB Houston

6'2" 210 lbs. Junior

Week 2 vs. Oklahoma State
32/46 for 366 yards and 3 TDs
5 rushes, 16 yards and 1 TD


Case Keenum has shown why he is one of the most prolific passers to come to the University of Houston by leading the 2-0 Cougar team past #5 ranked Oklahoma State. Case Keenum out performed opposing offense littered with potential NFL draft picks by lighting them up to the tune of 382 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

Case Keenum has solid mechanics and skills and could be a future NFL star if he can overcome the pass happy Cougar offense and turn his spread offense mechanics into under center mechanics. He has a strong enough arm, he has decent accuracy and he is sneaky athletic when moving around the pocket and making things happen when said pocket breaks down. He projects right now to be a mid-late second day pick if he were to come out this year, but if he waits a year and goes back to hone his skills he could easily move into the second round much like his predecessor Kevin Kolb.

Keenum has 725 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2 games this season, but the game against #5 Ok. State will put Houston on the map as a potential BCS buster and if Keenum can keep it up he might have a chance at some Heisman votes.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

The 2009-2010 season has begun and my weekly rookie of the week is back. We had a lot of great performances this week, from quarterbacks and wide receivers especially. So, without further delay here is All Day Football's first Rookie of the Week of the season.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Mark Sanchez, QB
6'2" 225 lbs
Southern California
1st round pick, 5th overall
18/31 for 272 yards and 1 TD

The first time starter unleashed on the unsuspecting Texan defense and they often didn't have an answer for the sensational rookie. Though his completion percentage was just a little north of 50% he put up massive yardage and a score to Chansi Stuckey. If this is how he is playing in his first game as an NFL QB then I think he has a very bright future ahead of him. Congrats on the first of presumably many ROTW's to come Mark!

Runner Ups:

Offense

Louis Murphy, WR
6'2" 200 lbs
Florida
4th round pick, 124th overall
4 receptions, 87 yards and 1 TD

Defense

James Laurinaitis, LB
6'2" 247 lbs
Ohio State
2nd round pick, 35th overall
14 tackles, FR

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 2 ROTW!

Freshman to Watch: Defense

Manti Te'o
LB Notre Dame

Freshman
6'2" 244 lbs.

Week 1 vs. Nevada
2 solo tackles

This freshman linebacker didn't have the biggest impact in his first game but he is definitely going to be something special in the future. The strength and speed he has at his size is incredible. On one play he lined up at the line of scrimmage and rushed the passer, he was pushed past the passer by the OT and as the QB stepped in the pocket and took off, Te'o easily caught him from behind showing some of the most amazing burst I have seen in awhile.

Te'o is a prospect who may not see the NFL in awhile because he's said he wants to go on a two year mormon mission in 2010 which means he probably won't see himself declaring until he is about 22 or 23 (he's 18 now) but he could very well have all the essential skills needed to be a LB in the NFL, but until then he is just going to continue making plays for the a tough Fighting Irish defense.